'Dekha aapne laparwahi ka natija' - Fans react as England and Australia lose points due to slow over rate in WTC during Ashes 2023

England and Australia (Source: Twitter)

Ashes 2023 was arguably one of the best Ashes for the fans since the 2005 Ashes where the fans were treated to some great contest between bat and ball. Throughout the five Ashes Test matches, cricket fans witnessed some incredible cricket action as the two teams finished the series in a 2-2 draw. Given that both teams played excellent cricket and did not give their opponents an inch, many people thought the score was a fair conclusion.

The Apex Cricket Council punished both rival teams by deducting significant World Test Championship (WTC) points, even as the cricket community praised their performance. For the 2023–2025 cycle, Australia has punished 10 WTC points, while England lost a massive 19 points for continuing to play at slow over-rates throughout the Ashes.

At Headingly, in the third Test, Ben Stokes' team could only manage to meet the over-rate requirements. In the first four Tests, they lost two, nine, three, and five points, in that order. In contrast, Australia lost ten points in the fourth Test at Old Trafford, which resulted in a draw despite several weather delays.

A team is penalized one WTC point for each over they fail to deliver within the allotted time, taking into account any potential delays, since the ICC has been harsh about over-rate offences. As a result, even though Australia and England finished with the same number of points (28), a sizable difference now exists between them on the WTC table following the deductions.

Australia's percentage of points (PCT) is 30, placing them third on the points table. However, England's PCT of just 15 places them fifth in the rankings, below West Indies, who lost all three of their Test matches against India at home.

India and Pakistan bag top spots

Pakistan's WTC 2023–2025 cycle got off to a bright start as they swept Sri Lanka in a two-match series played away from home. The side led by Babar Azam has a perfect PCT of 100. However, India prevailed 1-0 in their away series against West Indies, taking the first Test and drawing the second because of inclement weather. Their PCT value is 66.67.

The Asian giants have benefited greatly from England and Australia dropping significant points, as they now lead the standings and have a significant lead. But the third wave of the WTC has just begun, and there will probably be a lot of turns and twists.

Let's look at how Twitter reacted to it:

This is very bad rule, In Asia teams will never face this overrate issue because of spin dominance we know spinner can bowl even more than 90 overs in a day, But in overseas SENA countries this will remain huge issue as pacers dominates more in these countries it will huge task…

— Lubana Warriors (@LovepreetS49) August 2, 2023

Oh well😳

— Shagun Damadia❤️ (@shagun_damadia) August 2, 2023

It's going to huge impact for the both teams when you go forward
The same way aus lost the place in final 2021 icc test cycle due to slow over rate 😑

— salute❤️ (@super_908_) August 2, 2023

But they showed us the best of Test cricket, which the Indian team does not show. Indian Team only earn points by playing with weak teams.

— जाट जी⚒️ (@00_butcher) August 2, 2023

😳😳😳😳
Saala ek match ka 12 point ha
Aur england ka toh 12 baja gaya

— Jayant Agarwal 🌟🌟 (@manishann230000) August 2, 2023

I think this rule should be changed
Slow Over-Rate penalty should only apply on drawn tests as if the match is giving result why should cut your points.@ICC take notice

— FT Fan (@hanan_khan3) August 2, 2023

Hahaha.. they entertained the whole world at the cost of their points... such great teams and people 😎😀

— Amit Lahoti (@amitlahoti1980) August 2, 2023

The importance of having spinners in team. They can avoid such fines.

— iamsidd (@sidd_patel) August 2, 2023